By Augustine B. Kollie
augustinekollie87@yahoo.com
Monrovia,Liberia:United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered Liberians on the Deferred Enforcement Departure(DED) program one final year to prepare for a return to their homeland, bringing relief to some 4,200 who were bracing for the worst.
President Trump said DED is not a long-term solution or permanent legal status for foreign nationals in the United States.
The designation will terminate on March 31, 2019.
In a written communication addressed to President Trump, the senators called on the US President to consider their appeal immediately in order to avoid anxiety and uncertainty in the Liberian-American communities.
Responding to the Congress appeal, President Trump said his administration is committed to an orderly transition that will allow time for Liberia to prepare for the return and reintegration of its citizens.
According to him, the US will work with the Government of Liberia to help inform relevant stakeholders in-country and in the United States to ensure an orderly return and reintegration of Liberia’s citizens.
“Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status for those currently protected by DED who have lived and worked in the United States for many years.
“The Administration has regularly and proactively communicated with members of Congress regarding the DED designation for Liberia.” said President Donald Trump.
President Trump’s decision On Tuesday, the Liberian community received the strong backing of some 53 members of the US Congress, who delivered a bicameral letter to President Trump prevailing on him to extend the humanitarian immigration program that has allowed an estimated 4,200 Liberians to escape two successive civil wars in their country.
The program was renewed by President George W. Bush and twice by President Obama.
Several Liberians rallied at the Minnesota State Capitol on Monday in a bid to draw attention to their plight in hopes of at least a temporary extension but critics say should President Trump decide to extend Liberians on the program must begin pushing to improve their status of prepare to return home as there is currently no path to legal status, much less citizenship under the DED.
Photo Credit: United States Congress
